Diagnosis and treatment of childhood strabismus

ABSTRACT

Strabismus is a pathologic condition in which the eyes do not properly align with each other forming different images on the corresponding retinal points. Early diagnosis and appropriate management of strabismus in the sensitive period of visual maturation is critical for the development of normal binocular vision in children. Therefore, it is important to perform ophthalmologic examinations including cycloplegic refraction and ocular alignment as early as possible to detect risk factors for amblyopia and strabismus. Strabismus could also be a sign of intraocular pathology, brain diseases or myasthenia gravis which may require urgent treatment. Strabismus can be treated by surgical and non-surgical methods. The first step in the management of strabismus is to correct amblyogenic refractive errors and prescribe glasses if necessary. Bifocal lenses, prism glasses, occlusion therapy, and botulinum toxin injection could also be considered. Surgery is usually performed if non-surgical treatments are unsuccessful. Making an accurate diagnosis and setting practical goals and limitations of treatment is the key to success in the treatment of strabismus.